Friday, September 19, 2008

Reality Check


We are barely back into the school routine, and my youngest is already looking forward to summer. She and school have a very tenuous relationship, and it's been this way since the very beginning. It had me thinking and remembering, so as part of my regularly random series "Blasts From the Past," here's how it all began about nine years ago.

As the baby of the family, Number Four has always tagged along after her older siblings, trying to keep up, afraid that she might miss something. She's always been ready to be on to the "next thing." She couldn't wait to be born, couldn't wait to walk, and absolutely couldn't wait to go to that magical, mysterious place which her siblings called, "School." At school were wonderful, delightful things called single file, and teachers, and lunchrooms, and line leaders, and recess, and quiet chairs, and principals. Life would be good if only she could be a part of this special club called "School."


So, when Little One turned 4, I enrolled her in a half-day preschool, and she was so excited she could barely contain herself. Finally her day had arrived. Finally she was a big girl. Finally she was part of the club. Off she went without hesitation on that first day, to join the ranks of all the other lucky ducks who were part of this elite club. In anticipation of all the wonders that awaited, she skipped innocently and excitedly into the classroom wearing her new little skirt and carrying her new little bookbag. The world was her oyster, she had the tiger by the tail, she was on easy street.
And she lived happily ever after.
Until the second day. When I asked her how she liked going to school, her face scrunched in exasperation as she replied incredulously, "Well. . . I like my teacher okay. . . but we ALWAYS have to do what SHE wants to do. " It's been downhill ever since.

17 comments:

Jan said...

Out of the mouth of babes. Hey fellow Mother Goose relative. So funny. I was thrilled to read that little tib bit of information that you too are related. I guess it does makes us long lost relatives. Thanks for sharing Cathy.

Jann said...

Loved this--thanks for sharing and putting a big smile on my face! Cheers, Jann

Christopher A. Klingler said...

Cathy I HATED school and could not wait to graduate!!!

I feel your daughter's pain, she'll get through it.

Life did not begin 4 me until after HS though! A NEW world!!! LOL '-P)

SpOOky Hugs,
Chris

Carolee said...

Too funny, Cathy, and brings back memories! My daughter didn't exactly hate school, but neither did she hesitate when it came to challenging authority. For us, it began the first week of kindergarten when instead of singing "My Country 'Tis of Thee" she insisted on singing the "right words" to the song (per my British husband) and instead belted out "God Save the Queen" at full volume, stubbornly refusing to sing the American version, even at the teacher's insistance....As you said, downhill from there, lol.....

~ Carolee

Rebecca Ramsey said...

Ha!
She is meant to get together with my youngest! They'd make a matching set!
Neither does he like coaches, because they're always telling him how to do everything.
Imagine that!
Becky

Anonymous said...

"Oh My Goodness!!" I came here to Thank you for your sweet prayers for little miss Mila. Look what I find??? A NEW LOOK!! I LOVE IT!!! Getting ready for the "fall aren't we??!" You look good here Cathy!!

I have an update for you about Mila, (pictures of her in the hospital). SAD, BUT CUTE...lol!!

Love, Jeannene

Heidi said...

LOL So funny!

Samantha said...

My, my... someone is a little independent, aren't they? I think that's great!

Kara Ward said...

Oh, I love this story. Don't they always say exactly what comes to mind. I too hate school starting. I miss them, the noise, the constent motion and energy in the house. I have to get use to the quiet. Don't worry, it doesn't take me long. Kara

Alexa Lett said...

great writing!! Also, loved the border...quite cute!

karin said...

it is so amazing to find another person who loves books by AW Towzer. i made an art journal on one of his books for my boys, Roots of the Righteous!
Pleased to meet you!!
k
xx

Doreen Frost said...

AAWWWWW...poor gal.....What a little sweetheart. My son's school experience was very similiar....he hated it the whole time..oddly enough...now in college..he absolutely loves it.

Love the new blog look....VERY NICE.

:)Doreen

Cindy said...

LOL! Ahhh the joys of school...I remember it well. Thanks for the laugh, she sounds like an adorable girl!

c

Julie said...

Oh, Bless her heart! I didn't like school, either.

That is so cute, though! I bet she keeps you laughing!

I've tagged you over at my blog -- I hope you'll want to play?

Many Blessings,
Julie

Anonymous said...

That's so sweet Cathy. I can picture a little one skipping into school with a bookbag. There is nothing as sweet as those childhood memories. Thanks for the smile.

Anonymous said...

Hey Cathy.
Oh yes, I miss those days.
When my oldest started pre-k, he cried and cried when I left him. The teacher said "go, he will be fine". We had the option of picking the kids up at lunch or let them stay until 2. I hurried in to get the child knowing he had cried himself sick. When I get there, he asks" why are you here, I want to stay all day"
Life...

Pam

Amy said...

Great story. I laughed so loud at this one!
For a second I thought you were going to say she only wanted to go to school when SHE wanted to and not every day!!
Amy